Leukocyte Cytokine Production Research Articles

Blood leucocyte cytokine production after LPS stimulation at different concentrations of glucose and/or insulin

Previous studies have indicated that alterations in blood glucose and/or insulin levels modify the inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether increased levels of glucose and/or insulin influence the activation pattern of blood leucocytes and their production of cytokines in vitro. Venous blood was obtained from eight healthy male volunteers after an overnight fast. Glucose and/or insulin were added to aliquots of whole blood to increase the blood glucose concentration by 5 or 20 mmol/l and/or the insulin concentration by 6 or 30 nmol/l, respectively, before stimulation with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at concentrations of 10, 100 or 1000 ng/ml. The samples were subsequently incubated at 37 degrees C for 6 h before cytokine measurements. After centrifugation the levels of interleukins (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured in plasma using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays. The results were compared with cytokine levels in parallel control samples to which only identical amounts of LPS were added. The LPS-stimulated production of IL-1beta was significantly reduced by on average 26% in samples to which glucose 20 mmol/l was added; addition of insulin and/or glucose 5 mmol/l had no apparent effect on the IL-1beta production at any LPS concentration. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha were not manifestly altered by addition of glucose and/or insulin at any LPS concentration. A substantial increase in blood glucose concentration changed the IL-1beta production, but not the production of other cytokines, in response to LPS stimulation.

Bovine Colostrum Modulates Cytokine Production in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide and Phytohemagglutinin

Bovine colostrum has been shown to influence the cytokine production of bovine leukocytes. However, it remains unknown whether processed bovine colostrum, a supplement popular among athletes to enhance immune function, is able to modulate cytokine secretion of human lymphocytes and monocytes. The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of a commercially available bovine colostrum protein concentrate (CPC) to stimulate cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Blood was sampled from four healthy male endurance athletes who had abstained from exercise for 48 h. PBMCs were separated and cultured with bovine CPC concentrations of 0 (control), 1.25, 2.5, and 5% with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (3 microg/mL) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (2.5 microg/mL). Cell supernatants were collected at 6 and 24 h of culture for the determination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2 concentrations. Bovine CPC significantly stimulated the release of IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-2 (p < 0.03). The addition of LPS to PBMCs cocultured with bovine CPC significantly stimulated the release of IL-2 and inhibited the early release of TNF, IL-6, and IL-4 (p < 0.02). Phytohemagglutinin stimulation in combination with bovine CPC significantly increased the secretion of IL-10 and IL-2 at 6 h of culture and inhibited IFN-gamma and TNF (p < 0.05). This data show that a commercial bovine CPC is able to modulate in vitro cytokine production of human PBMCs. Alterations in cytokine secretion may be a potential mechanism for reported benefits associated with supplementation.

Formation of eicosanoids, E2/D2 isoprostanes, and docosanoids following decapitation-induced ischemia, measured in high-energy-microwaved rat brain

Inflammatory lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) modify the pathophysiology of brain ischemia. The goal of this work was to investigate the formation of eicosanoids and docosanoids generated from AA and DHA, respectively, during no-flow cerebral ischemia. Rats were subjected to head-focused microwave irradiation 5 min following decapitation (complete ischemia) or prior to decapitation (controls). Brain lipids were extracted and analyzed by reverse-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. After complete ischemia, brain AA, DHA, and docosapentaenoic acid concentrations increased 18-, 5- and 4-fold compared with controls, respectively. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and PGD(2) could not be detected in control microwaved rat brain, suggesting little endogenous PGE(2)/D(2) production in the brain in the absence of experimental manipulation. Concentrations of thromboxane B(2), E(2)/D(2)-isoprostanes, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid, and 12-HETE were significantly elevated in ischemic brains. In addition, DHA products such as mono-, di- and trihydroxy-DHA were detected in control and ischemic brains. Monohydroxy-DHA, identified as 17-hydroxy-DHA and thought to be the immediate precursor of neuroprotectin D(1), was 6.5-fold higher in ischemic than in control brain. The present study demonstrated increased formation of eicosanoids, E(2)/D(2)-IsoPs, and docosanoids following cerebral ischemia. A balance of these lipid mediators may mediate immediate events of ischemic injury and recovery.

Aspergillus fumigatus Stimulates Leukocyte Adhesion Molecules and Cytokine Production by Endothelial Cells In Vitro and during Invasive Pulmonary Disease

Invasive aspergillosis is characterized by hyphal invasion of the blood vessels, which contributes to the pathogenesis of this disease. During this angioinvasion, Aspergillus fumigatus interacts with the endothelial cell lining of the blood vessels. We investigated the response of vascular endothelial cells to A. fumigatus infection in vitro and in mouse models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Infection with hyphae, but not with conidia, stimulated endothelial cells to synthesize E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), interleukin 8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in vitro. Killed hyphae induced approximately 40% less stimulation than did live hyphae. Endothelial cell stimulation required contact between the hyphae and endothelial cells but not endocytosis of the organisms. Studies with DeltagliP and DeltastuA null mutants of A. fumigatus indicated that the extent of endothelial cell stimulation was not influenced by gliotoxin or other StuA-dependent factors synthesized by A. fumigatus. In neutropenic mice infected with wild-type A. fumigatus, increased pulmonary expression of E-selectin, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (KC), and TNF-alpha occurred only when neutropenia had resolved. In nonneutropenic mice immunosuppressed with corticosteroids, A. fumigatus stimulated earlier pulmonary expression of E-selectin, VCAM-1, and KC, while expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and TNF-alpha was suppressed. In both mouse models, expression of E-selectin and KC was associated with high pulmonary fungal burden, angioinvasion, and neutrophil adherence to endothelial cells. Therefore, the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by endothelial cells in response to A. fumigatus could enhance the host defense against this organism by contributing to the recruitment of activated leukocytes to sites of angioinvasion.

Peripheral but not central leptin treatment increases numbers of circulating NK cells, granulocytes and specific monocyte subpopulations in non-endotoxaemic lean and obese LEW-rats

Leptin, a hormone mainly generated by adipocytes, acts centrally in the hypothalamus to regulate body weight and energy expenditure. However, there is strong evidence that leptin is also involved in cell-mediated immunity and cytokine crosstalk. In the present study the effects of diet-induced obesity and central and peripheral leptin treatment on leukocyte subsets and cytokine production was investigated. Leptin was injected either intravenously (i.v.) or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in male endotoxaemic or vehicle-treated healthy LEW-rats. Numbers of blood leukocyte subsets were analysed by FACS and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) by ELISA. Results showed that peripheral rather than central leptin treatment was able to significantly increase numbers of granulocytes, NK cells and monocytes. Three-colour staining revealed that the increase of ED9 + monocytes was most likely due to the mobilization of two distinct monocyte subsets, predominantly ED9 +CD4 −NKR-P1A + and ED9 +CD4 +NKR-P1A +. ELISA analysis revealed significantly elevated TNF-α levels in obese animals compared to their lean littermates, while IL-6 failed to show notable changes. In conclusion, the data of the present study revealed that leptin application induces a nutrition- and application-site dependent increase of circulating NK cells, granulocytes and specific monocyte subsets.

Azithromycin Improves Macrophage Phagocytic Function and Expression of Mannose Receptor in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Defective efferocytosis (phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells) in the airway may perpetuate inflammation via secondary necrosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We have previously reported that low-dose azithromycin improved alveolar macrophage (AM) phagocytic function in vitro. We investigated collectins (mannose-binding lectin [MBL] and surfactant protein [SP]-D) and mannose receptor (MR) in COPD and their possible role in the azithromycin-mediated improvement in phagocytosis. In vitro effects of azithromycin on AM expression of MR were investigated. MBL, SP-D, and MR were measured in patients with COPD and control subjects. Azithromycin (250 mg orally daily for 5 d then twice weekly for 12 wk) was administered to 11 patients with COPD. Assessments included AM phagocytic ability and expression of MR, MBL, SP-D, bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis, pulmonary function, C-reactive protein, blood/BAL leukocyte counts, cytokine production, and T-cell markers of activation and phenotype. Azithomycin (500 ng/ml) increased MR expression by 50% in vitro. AM MR expression and levels of MBL and SP-D were significantly reduced in patients with COPD compared with control subjects. In patients with COPD, after azithromycin therapy, we observed significantly improved AM phagocytic ability (pre: 9.9%; post: 15.1%), reduced bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis (pre: 30.0%; post: 19.7%), and increased MR and reduced inflammatory markers in the peripheral blood. These findings implicate the MR in the defective phagocytic function of AMs in COPD and as a target for the azithromycin-mediated improvement in phagocytic ability. Our findings indicate a novel approach to supplement existing therapies in COPD.

MKK3 signalling plays an essential role in leukocyte-mediated pancreatic injury in the multiple low-dose streptozotocin model

In vitro studies have implicated activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway in cytokine-mediated pancreatic β-cell injury. Activation of the p38 MAPK occurs through two different upstream kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3) and MKK6. This study examined the role of MKK3 signalling in an in vivo model of cytokine-dependent pancreatic injury induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ). Groups of wild-type (WT) or Mkk3−/− C57BL/6J mice received 5 daily injections of STZ (40 mg/kg) and were killed on day 5, week 2 or week 4. MLD-STZ in WT mice exhibited two distinct phases of pancreatic damage: islet cell apoptosis (immunostaining for cleaved caspase-3) on day 5 in the absence of leukocyte infiltration, and this was followed by islet inflammation (leukocyte infiltration and cytokine production) and further islet cell apoptosis on day 14 resulting in a loss of insulin-producing β-cells and an 80% incidence of hyperglycaemia. Mkk3−/− mice were not protected from the initial phase of STZ-induced islet cell apoptosis day 5. However, Mkk3−/− mice were completely protected from the induction of hyperglycaemia. This was attributed to inhibition of leukocyte infiltration, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and islet cell apoptosis at day 14 of MLD-STZ. In vitro studies showed that cultured islets from Mkk3−/− and WT mice are equally susceptible to STZ and cytokine-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, MKK3 signalling plays an essential role in the development of islet inflammation leading to destruction of β-cells and hyperglycaemia in MLD-STZ-induced pancreatic injury.

Role and regulation of sickle red cell interactions with other cells: ICAM-4 and other adhesion receptors

Erythrocytes containing primarily hemoglobin S (SS RBCs) are abnormally adherent. We now know that SS RBCs express numerous adhesion molecules, and that many of these can undergo activation. SS RBCs exposed briefly to epinephrine show markedly increased adhesion to both laminin and endothelial cells. In vivo, infusion of epinephrine-activated but not unstimulated SS RBCs causes RBC adhesion, vaso-occlusion, organ trapping, and shortened RBC survival in the circulation. Epinephrine treatment of SS RBCs before infusion also induces adhesion of murine leukocytes to vascular walls. Indeed, in vitro, SS RBCs can activate leukocyte adhesion and cytokine production. We now have demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo evidence for the importance of RBC signaling and have also shown that SS RBC adhesion is determined by genetic polymorphisms in the signaling pathway that activates adhesion. These advances will hopefully lead to new therapeutic modalities for sickle cell disease.

The Glomerular Response to IgA Deposition in IgA Nephropathy

Compelling evidence points to a role for IgA receptors in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy. The soluble form of the type I IgA receptor (FcalphaRI or CD89) forms complexes with IgA that can be found in patients' serum and that initiate the disease in CD89 transgenic mice. A nonclassic IgA receptor, identified as the transferrin receptor (TfR), is highly expressed in patients' mesangium and colocalizes with IgA deposits. TfR preferentially binds polymeric IgA1 complexes, but not monomeric IgA1 or IgA2. The TfR-IgA1 interaction is dependent on carbohydrate moieties because hypoglycosylated IgA1 has superior binding to TfR than normally glycosylated IgA1. Polymeric IgA1 binding enhances mesangial cell TfR expression and results in cell proliferation and inflammatory and profibrogenic cytokine and chemokine production, suggesting a pivotal role in mesangial cell proliferation, matrix expansion, and recruitment of inflammatory cells. We propose that, as a second event, activation of the classic, FcRgamma-associated transmembrane FcalphaRI expressed on circulating myeloid leukocytes takes place. FcalphaRI/gamma2 cross-linking in human FcalphaRI transgenic animals promotes disease progression by enhancing leukocyte chemotaxis and cytokine production, and IgA immune complexes from IgA nephropathy patients induce FcalphaRI-dependent cell activation. This review therefore details the functional consequences of IgA/receptor interactions and discusses proposed mechanisms to explain the development and chronicity of the disease.

C-Jun amino terminal kinase 1 deficient mice are protected from streptozotocin-induced islet injury

In vitro studies have implicated the c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) in cytokine-induced pancreatic injury leading to a loss of insulin production and hyperglycemia. We examined the role of JNK1 in the multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) model in which islet injury and hyperglycemia are dependent upon T cell immunity and pro-inflammatory cytokines. MLD-STZ in wild type mice induced islet leukocyte infiltration, cytokine production, β-cell apoptosis, and hyperglycemia. In contrast, Jnk1−/− mice were substantially protected from a loss of insulin producing cells and hyperglycemia in the MLD-STZ model despite a marked islet T cell and macrophage infiltrate. Based upon several lines of evidence, this protection was attributed to a reduction in TNF-α production by infiltrating Jnk1−/− macrophages leading to reduced β-cell apoptosis. In conclusion, JNK1 signaling plays an essential role in macrophage induced β-cell apoptosis and the development of hyperglycemia in MLD-STZ induced pancreatic injury.

Erythropoietin inhibits cytokine production of neonatal and adult leukocytes

Erythropoietin (Epo) was originally defined as a hematopoietic growth factor, but also has potent tissue-protective properties. The cytokine-modulating actions of Epo have received scant attention. We hypothesized that Epo significantly influences the in vitro cytokine production in both neonates and adults. The effects of Epo were investigated using a standardized in vitro whole blood assay. Production of various cytokines was assessed by means of intracellular cytokine detection (IL-2, -6, -8, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) in preterm infants, term neonates and adults. Furthermore, synthesis of IL-4, -5 and -10 in adults was investigated via cytometric bead array. Epo significantly inhibits the production of various cytokines in preterm infants, term neonates and adults. In CD3+ lymphocytes, Epo predominantly decreases the number of IL-2-positive cells in all age groups. Similarly, in CD14+ cells, Epo significantly diminishes the number of IL-6- and TNF-alpha-producing cells. Furthermore, Epo significantly inhibits the synthesis of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in adults. rhEpo has significant inhibitory potential on the production of various cytokines by leukocytes in preterm and term infants as well as in adults. The described effect likely contributes to the tissue protective properties of Epo.

Identification of a New Genetic Determinant Controlling Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engraftment.

Transplantation of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) has been the most important clinical application of stem cell biology. A key discovery enabling successful HSC transplantation was the recognition that HSC engraftment is controlled by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism. Although HLA disparity plays a key role in graft rejection, graft failure can occur even in patients receiving an HLA-identical transplant, suggesting that additional, as yet uncharacterized, factors modulate engraftment. We have identified a new genetic determinant that controls the outcome of human HSC transplantation. Xenotransplantation in the non-obese diabetic/severe combine immune-deficient (NOD.SCID) mouse is the best functional assay for human HSC, based on their ability to repopulate recipient animals. We show that NOD.SCID mice provide significantly better support for human hematopoietic grafts than mice of different strain backgrounds carrying equivalent immunodeficiency mutations. To identify the molecular basis for this strain-specificity, we used positional genetics combined with in vitro and in vivo assays of human hematopoiesis. We generated reciprocal congenic strains between NOD and the related non-obese diabetes resistant (NOR) strain which is 88% identical to NOD, and found that support of human hematopoiesis is conferred by variation in a single gene, signal regulatory protein α (Sirpα) on chromosome 2. Human HSC were unable to engraft NOD.SCID mice carrying the NOR allele of Sirpα. NOD SIRPα displays 24 amino acid variations compared to NOR and C57BL/6, concentrated in the immunoglobulin IgV-like domain of this Ig-superfamily member. SIRPα is expressed on myeloid cells and mediates signals that modulate diverse macrophage functions. Indeed, lentiviral gene transfer of the NOD Sirpα variant into NOR macrophages restored their ability to support human hematopoiesis in long-term chimeric stroma-based assays. CD47, the only known cellular ligand of SIRPα, is ubiquitously expressed and modulates multiple cellular actions on hematopoietic cells including platelet activation and adhesion, and leukocyte adhesion and cytokine production. NOD SIRPα demonstrates enhanced binding to human CD47 compared to the NOR protein, suggesting that differential interaction with CD47 underlies the strong effect of Sirpα variation on support of human hematopoiesis in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal a novel SIRPα-dependent, macrophage-mediated mechanism critical in HSC transplantation. Future analysis of Sirpα variants within human populations could identify alleles associated with hematopoietic support in BM failure syndromes or correlated with outcomes in clinical transplantation.

Streptococcal exotoxin B increases interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-8 and transforming growth factor beta-1 in leukocytes

Previous reports have shown the presence of streptococcal erythrogenic exotoxin type B (ETB), leukocyte infiltration, interleukin-8 (IL-8), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and glomerular proliferation in renal biopsies from patients with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). In addition, increased levels of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and urinary IL-6, have also been reported in this disease. To determine the effect of streptococcal proteins on leukocyte proliferation and leukocyte production of IL-6, TNFalpha, IL-8 and TGF-beta1, we cultured human mononuclear leukocytes with ETB or ETB precursor (ETBP). After 24 h, 48 h and 96 h, culture supernatants were assessed for cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and for leukocyte proliferation by a monoclonal antibody anti-proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA). A significant increase in all cytokines was found in ETB- or ETBP-treated cultures when compared with controls. A polyclonal anti-ETB antibody diminished the cytokine stimulatory effect of ETB. An increased number of PCNA-positive cells was observed in ETB or ETBP treated cultures at 48 h and 96 h. Cytokine production and proliferation were not correlated. The stimulatory effect of streptococcal exotoxin B on leukocyte cytokine production may be relevant in renal tissue during the course of APSGN.

Bovine Colostrum Modulates Cytokine Production in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide and Phytohemagglutinin

Bovine colostrum has been shown to influence the cytokine production of bovine leukocytes. However it remains unknown if processed bovine colostrum, a supplement popular among athletes to enhance immune function, is able to modulate cytokine secretion of human leukocytes. PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of a commercially available bovine colostrum protein concentrate (CPC) on the production of cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. Method: Blood was sampled from four healthy, male endurance athletes who had abstained from exercise for 48 hours. PBMC were separated and cultured with bovine CPC concentrations of 0 (control), 1.25, 2.5 and 5% with and without LPS (3μg·mL-l) and PHA (2.5μg·mL-l). Cell supernatants were collected at 6 and 24 hours of culture for the determination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-2 concentrations. RESULTS: Following 6 hours of PBMC incubation at 37°C with 5% CO2, IFN-γ IL-10 and IL-2 secretion were increased with increasing concentrations of bovine CPC (P=0.011, 0.029 and 0.011, respectively). In a dose dependent manner, IFN-γ and IL-2 remained elevated following 24 hours of incubation (P=0.017 and 0.011, respectively). The addition of increasing bovine CPC concentrations to PBMC co-cultured with LPS reduced the secretion of TNF, IL-6 and IL-4 at 6 hours (P=0.011, 0.017 and 0.007, respectively), while increasing the secretion of IL-2 at 24 hours (P=0.014). The addition of bovine CPC to PBMC co-cultured with PHA increased IL-10 and IL-2 concentrations at 6 hours (P=0.0.38 and 0.044, respectively) and inhibited TNF and IFN-? production at 24 hours (P=0.044 and 0.039, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present data show that bovine CPC modulates in vitro cytokine production of human PBMC.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 contributes to eosinophil survival in an NF-κB–dependent manner in Churg-Strauss syndrome

AbstractChurg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic disease that shows marked eosinophilia along with eosinophil infiltration in the tissue. Prolonged eosinophil survival plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CSS; however, its detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a receptor tyrosine kinase, and its ligand is collagen. DDR1 was expressed in human leukocytes and fibroblasts, and it plays an important role in leukocyte cytokine production and fibroblast survival in an NF-κB–dependent manner. In this study, we examined in vitro and in vivo eosinophil DDR1 expression and its function in CSS patients. The expression level of DDR1 was significantly higher in the eosinophils of CSS patients, and the predominant isoform was DDR1b. Immunohistochemical findings revealed that the tissue-infiltrating eosinophils expressed endogenous DDR1. In CSS patients, DDR1 activation inhibited Fas agonistic antibody–induced apoptosis and up-regulated Fas agonistic antibody–induced cytokine production of eosinophils in an NF-κB–dependent manner. Suppression of DDR1 expression in the eosinophils by using RNA interference and addition of the DDR1-blocking protein abolished these effects. We propose that DDR1 contributes to the eosinophil survival in the tissue microenvironment of CSS and that it might be involved in the development of CSS.

Lincomycin Protects Mice from Septic Shock in .BETA.-Glucan-Indomethacin Model

We have developed a septic shock model in mice by sequential administration of beta-glucan, a biological response modifier, and indomethacin (IND), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Lethality was significantly related to the translocation of gut flora to various organs and mal-adjustment of the cytokine network. In the present study, we have examined the effect of antibiotics on this model to further clarify meanings of microbial flora. Schizophyllan (SPG), antitumor beta-glucan for clinical use, obtained from the culture filtrate of Schizophyllum commune, was used to induce sepsis. Lincomycin (LCM), imipenem (IPM), cilastatine (CS), and ampicillin (ABPC) were used for antibiotics treatment. The survival rate of SPG/IND-treated mice was significantly increased by administering LCM or ABPC/IPM/CS, and the effect was more significant by LCM. In in vitro spleen cell culture, LCM decreased proinflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, prednisolone, immune suppresser treatment improved survival of SPG/IND-treated mice. These findings suggest that LCM is an effective antibiotic in this endogenous septic model by modulating gut microbial flora and, at least a part, by regulating cytokine production of leukocytes.

Melanocortin 3 receptors control crystal‐induced inflammation

In this study we have characterized the anti-inflammatory profile of a selective melanocortin type 3 receptor (MC3-R) ligand [D-Trp8]-gamma-MSH, validating in vitro results with analyses in mice deficient for this receptor subtype. In wild-type (WT) macrophages, [D-Trp8]-gamma-MSH activated MC3-R (as tested by accumulation of cyclic AMP) and inhibited (approximately 50%) the release of interleukin (IL)-1 and the chemokine KC (CXCL1), but was ineffective in cells taken from MC3-R null mice. In vivo, administration of 3-30 microg [D-Trp8]-gamma-MSH significantly inhibited leukocyte influx and cytokine production in a model of crystal-induced peritonitis, and these effects were absent in MC3-R null mice or blocked by coadministration of an MC3-R antagonist. Finally, in a model of gouty arthritis, direct injection of urate crystals into the rat joint provoked a marked inflammatory reaction that was significantly inhibited (approximately 70%) by systemic or local administration of [D-Trp8]-gamma-MSH. In conclusion, using an integrated transgenic and pharmacological approach, we provide strong proof of concept for the development of selective MC3-R agonists as novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Bed rest and immunity

Space flight has been shown to result in altered immune responses. The current study was designed to investigate this possibility by using the bed rest model of some space flight conditions. A large number of women are included as subjects in the study. The hypothesis being tested is: 60 days head-down tilt bed rest of humans will affect the immune system and resistance to infection. Blood, urine and saliva samples will be obtained from bed rest subjects prior to, at intervals during, and after completion of 60 days of head-down tilt bed rest. Leukocyte blastogenesis, cytokine production and virus reactivation will be assessed. The ability of the subjects to respond appropriately to immunization with the neoantigen bacteriophage φ X-174 will also be determined. Bed rest is being carried out at MEDES, Toulouse France, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX. The studies to be carried out in France will also allow assessment of the effects of muscle/bone exercise and nutritional countermeasures on the immune system in addition to the effects of bed rest.

Beneficial immunomodulatory activity of Lactobacillus casei in malnourished mice pneumonia: effect on inflammation and coagulation

Objective The effect of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 immunomodulatory activity on inflammation and coagulation during pneumococcal pneumonia was investigated in malnourished mice. Methods Weaned mice were malnourished after they consumed a protein-free diet for 21 d. Malnourished mice were treated for 7 d with a balanced conventional diet (BCD) with L. casei supplementation (BCD+Lc) or without it. The malnourished control group received only a protein-free diet whereas well-nourished control (WNC) mice consumed BCD ad libitum. Mice were challenged by the intranasal route with pneumococci at the end of each dietary treatment. Lung injury, leukocyte recruitment, cytokine production, coagulation tests, and fibrin(ogen) deposition in lungs were evaluated. Results Malnourished control mice showed impaired leukocyte recruitment and cytokine production, and more severe lung injuries when compared with WNC mice. Coagulation tests were significantly impaired in malnourished control group versus WNC group. Repletion with BCD or BCD+Lc improved these parameters, but only BCD+Lc mice achieved the values of WNC mice. In addition, the interleukin-10 level was higher in the BCD+Lc group than in the WNC group. Conclusion Repletion with supplemental L. casei accelerated recovery of the defense mechanisms against pneumococci by inducing different cytokine profiles. These cytokines would be involved in the improvement of the immune response and in the induction of a more efficient regulation of the inflammatory process, limiting the injury caused by infection.

Altered distribution of leukocyte subsets and cytokine production in response to acute psychosocial stress in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Psoriasis (PSO) is a mainly T helper-type 1 (TH 1) cell mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation and psoriatic plaques. There is ample evidence that stress may trigger psoriatic eruption, however, the underlying mechanisms of stress-induced exacerbation of PSO are poorly understood. The specific goal of the present study was to investigate the impact of acute stress on pathologically relevant immune functions in PSO patients. PSO patients ( n = 23) and healthy controls ( n = 25) were exposed to a standardized laboratory stressor (“Trier Social Stress Test”, TSST) including a free speech and mental arithmetics in front of an audience. Blood samples were collected 10 min before and 1, 10, 20, and 60 min after the TSST as well as 24 h after the experiment at identical time points under resting conditions. Analyses of leukocyte subsets indicated a significantly increased number of leukocyte subpopulations (lymphocytes, granulocytes, CD3 +, CD8 +, CD16 +/CD56 +, and CD3 +/HLA-DR +) after the TSST (all p < .01) with no significant between-group differences. However, monocyte number ( F (3, 120) = 2.7; p < .01) and number of CD4 +cells ( F (3, 120) = 3.09; p < .05) were found to be significantly higher in PSO sufferers than in controls. Moreover, a significant decrease of CD3 +/CD25 +cells was observed in the PSO, but not in the control group ( F (3, 120) = 3.46; p < .05). After exposure to the TSST, stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) resulted in elevated production of IFN-γ ( F (3, 126) = 6.9; p < .001) and IL-2 ( F (3, 123) = 6.6; p < .001), and moreover, a decreased production of IL-10 ( F (3, 132) = 5.22; p < .01) and IL-4 ( F (3, 129) = 3.9; p < .01). No difference in stress-induced changes of cytokine production to PHA could be identified between the two experimental groups (all p > .05). The present findings suggest that acute psychosocial stress is associated with changes of immune functions known to be involved in PSO which may be one potential explanation of how stress may trigger psoriatic eruption.